Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s Enhanced Budget Results in the Addition of 46 New Officers to Division of Police

CLEVELAND – The City of Cleveland today graduated its 136th police academy cadet class, adding 46 new police officers to serve citizens. The ceremony also included two firefighters graduating from the police academy as arson investigators. The new staff is part of Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s ongoing plan to enhance the quality of life in Cleveland neighborhoods by reducing response times for critical services. View images from the graduation ceremony.

“The City of Cleveland is committed to providing our safety personnel with the manpower they need to protect our citizens, “said Mayor Jackson. “The new class is just one example of how we’re utilizing the enhanced budget to ensure safety and success for all people.”

Friends, family and city staff gathered to attend the graduation ceremony today at Cleveland City Hall. Along with Mayor Jackson, local officials included Safety Director Michael McGrath, Police Chief Calvin D. Williams and Cleveland City Council Safety Committee Chairman Matt Zone. The event also includes representatives from the State Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Mayor Jackson, who announced his 2017 budget enhancements in February, promised Cleveland residents enhanced critical services in area neighborhoods. Services such as police, fire and EMS all receive significant increases in staff and equipment as a result of Issue 32. The 137th police academy cadet class, which includes lateral officers, will graduate in May 2017. The 138th police academy cadet class will commence in June 2017. The division is in the midst of ongoing recruitment. The force today is at 1,470 officers, and with the enhancements has a budgeted staffing level of 1,601, as some vacancies are often created through attrition.

“The addition of new officers is not just good for the Division of Police, this is good for all citizens, “said Chief Williams. “We promised more community engagement and today is just another step in fulfilling that promise.”

The new Neighborhood Impact Community Engagement Squad (N.I.C.E) is included in the enhanced budget of approximately $8.3 million. As a result of adding new officers to the division, the NICE unit will gain 10 officers.

“We’re hiring for the foreseeable future and encourage you to join our team,” said Williams.

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.

We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens, and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old.